COMMUNITY spirit has helped to restore pride on the Caia Park estate following the violent disturbances of last year.

That was the message from Wrexham Council's chief executive Isobel Garner following last week's sentencing of those involved in the clashes between residents and Iraqi Kurds living on the estate.

Mrs Garner said lessons had been learnt and bridges built in the aftermath of the disturbances, and praised the community for helping to rebuild the estate.

'All the community came together to try and rebuild pride in the community,' she said. 'We worked closely with community groups and our partners, including the police, to look at a number of issues.

'For example, residents have given us their views on some of those issues, such as housing allocations. We have listened to what they have had to say and these will be considered as part of a wider review of our housing allocation policy.'

Mrs Garner also pointed to the introduction of neighbourhood wardens as evidence of a growing police presence in Caia Park.

'While not specific to Caia Park, bringing in neighbourhood wardens reflects what communities are telling us time and time again - that they want to feel safe and secure.

'It is important to recognise that we all have to play our part in enabling newcomers to have access to the correct information and services. We are breaking down the barriers for all newcomers, as we all have a right to live in peace and harmony.

'I believe strengthening our work in the aftermath of the incidents last summer is certainly building bridges and moving us in the right direction, where we can all be more understanding towards each other.'